KKR vs SRH: The stage is set for a thrilling encounter in Ahmedabad as the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off its playoffs with Qualifier 1. Two of the most explosive batting line-ups in the tournament, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), will go head-to-head on Tuesday, each vying for a spot in the coveted IPL final.
Powerplay explosions set tone for KKR vs SRH
This season, both KKR and SRH have redefined what constitutes a chaseable total in the IPL. Their success has largely hinged on their dominant batting displays, particularly during the powerplay overs.
Openers at both ends have been in red-hot form, laying a strong foundation for the middle order to capitalize on.
KKR juggles opening conundrum
KKR might face a slight challenge in their batting department. The departure of Phil Salt has disrupted their successful opening partnership with Sunil Narine.
Matters are further complicated by the fact that their replacement, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, hasn’t had any game time due to two consecutive washouts. Gurbaz’s last competitive match was way back in mid-March, raising concerns about his match fitness.
Match Details – KKR vs SRH
- Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Qualifier 1
- Venue: Ahmedabad
- Date: May 21, 2024
- Time: 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT)
Can SRH adapt to different pitches?
While both teams excel at scoring runs quickly, their adaptability to varying pitches will be a key factor. Ahmedabad’s pitch is expected to be a bouncy red-soil track, favoring big hitting. Here, KKR’s batting prowess with players like Narine, Andre Russell, and Rinku Singh can come to the fore.
SRH, on the other hand, will be banking on their explosive top-order consisting of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen. However, they might need to adjust their aggressive approach if the pitch turns out to be a slower black-soil turner, similar to the one they struggled on against Gujarat Titans earlier in the season.
Bowling X-factors: Narine, Chakravarthy vs Tripathi
Regardless of the pitch conditions, both teams possess potent bowling attacks. KKR boasts the experience of Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, who are capable of taking wickets and stifling run flow.
KKR faces cold start after washouts
A potential concern for KKR is their lack of recent game time. Having had their last two matches washed out, including one in Ahmedabad itself, they might struggle to find their rhythm straight away. This is especially true for Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who hasn’t played a single IPL 2024 match and hasn’t competed since mid-March.
KKR secured their playoff berth on May 11th, and their ten-day break since then might disrupt their momentum, despite finishing the league stage as table-toppers.
Recent Form
- Kolkata Knight Riders: Won 3, Lost 2 (Last five completed matches)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: Won 3, Lost 2 (Last five completed matches)
KKR edge past SRH in last encounter
The last meeting between these two sides saw a close finish, with KKR emerging victorious by just four runs at Eden Gardens.
Interestingly, Travis Head, a key player for SRH, didn’t even feature in that match. This time around, both teams will be aiming to outscore the other and book their place in the IPL final.
